Spanish News Today Editors Roundup Weekly Bulletin March 26

CLICK HERE FOR THE FEATURE ARTICLES "Yellow weather alert for more heavy rain this weekend and next week" and "Mar Menor in danger after more than a week of rain"

The rain in Spain isn’t just a nuisance. Many parts of the country don’t receive rain very often, especially in the south, so they’re not prepared for the kind of torrents we’ve seen this week and which seem to be getting more and more common as a result of climate change. That’s why, time and again, there are debilitating floods, backed up sewers and road closures whenever it rains.

Worse than this has been the shocking and infuriating effect the rain has had on the protected natural environment of the Mar Menor lagoon in Murcia. For the umpteenth time, regional authorities have shown themselves summarily incapable of stopping dirty, polluted water from streaming into the lagoon and choking its ecosystem to disastrous effect.

And if the rain was making things difficult on the roads, this has been compounded by the long queues of trucks that, for the second week running, have been driving slowly along the nation’s motorways and causing massive traffic jams in protest against the rising cost of fuel. Want to stock up on provisions for your long, slow drive? Not likely, with the transport workers’ strike meaning ever more supermarkets are running low on basic supplies.

Oh, and coronavirus. That hasn’t gone away yet.

Rain, rain, go away!

Why is Spain such a popular destination for expats and tourists? It must have something to do with the 300-plus days of sunshine a year, right? You’d be forgiven for thinking you’d somehow landed back in a drizzly UK this week, though (but actually, parts of Britain were warmer than Barcelona in recent days!) as the relentless rain associated with yet another Atlantic storm has created a deluge across the country, making this one of the wettest spring months ever recorded.

Good news for Spanish reservoirs; bad news for holidaymakers, as the wet weather has bedded down and is forecast to last until the end of the month.

The orange, sand-laden skies of last week gave way to black clouds heavy with rain, wind and thunderstorms. On the Costa Blanca, the torrential downpours have continued to pelt Alicante province and the rest of the community with no let up. In fact, the conditions have been so miserable, and so much rain has fallen over the last couple of weeks that the Valencia region has officially recorded its wettest March since 1950, according to the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet).

Certain towns in the north of Alicante have experienced rainfall in excess of a whopping 500l/m2, and an average of 185.7l/m2 has been recorded across the region as a whole already this month, with the wind and rain look set to continue pummelling the region well into next week.

It’s been a wet week for most of Andalucía, too, but at least the sun is set to shine on most of the region this weekend. The heavy rains have actually guaranteed the summer water supply for the Costa del Sol after an exceptionally dry autumn and winter that threatened much of the Andalucía region with drought. Now, the rain this week has topped up the La Concepción reservoir, which supplies the Western Costa del Sol, to more than 50% of its capacity. For now, though, the area is keeping in place its situation of ‘exceptional drought’ that was decreed on March 11 by the Junta de Andalucía, in an effort “to avoid problems in the medium term”.

In the popular seaside resort of Estepona, access in and around rivers was shut off due to the risk of rivers overflowing, and the public was warned not to go near rivers or streams for fear of getting swept away or trapped. Just up the coast in Marbella, the Town Hall approved and emergency 450,000-euro facelift of its promenade and beaches following extensive storm damage. In addition to the replacement of 10,000m2 of sand in various areas, repairs will have to be made to a breakwater wall next to the Paseo Marítimo structure in Marbellamar, which has been destroyed.

In the Murcia Region, too, the rain will be hanging around for at least another week yet, though most of the time it should be more of a constant drizzle rather than the pelting pellets we’ve seen at times this week.

The inclement weather has caused countless problems on the Region’s roads. Scree sliding down the hillside and onto the roadway in Lorca, pieces of building façades crashing onto pavements, flooded areas cutting off access to streets in many towns and cities. But the most dramatic side-effect has to be the landslide that tore a chunk out of the RM-E22 road in Cartagena. Thousands of drivers use this road every day to travel between Cartagena, La Azohía, Isla Plana and Puerto de Mazarrón, especially from May to October, but the collapse of a retaining wall at kilometre 9.8 near the Cuestas del Cedacero viewpoint created a massive sinkhole effect in the road, as if someone has taken a huge bite out of it.

Thankfully, no one was injured in the incident, but the road has been closed and all traffic is being diverted along the old N-332 national road. Repairs have already begun, with the Regional government putting aside nearly a quarter of a million euros to get the road back into shape, but they say it’s going to be a “costly and complex” project, and that the road won’t be reopened again until early June.

And it’s not only motorists who are suffering the effects of these storms, but marine life too.

The non-stop rain, not to mention the Saharan dust which is still swirling around parts of Murcia, have dealt another blow to the poor old Mar Menor. Followers of the catastrophic situation of pollution of the natural lagoon will remember that in previous episodes of elevated contamination, scientists have warned of the Mar Menor becoming a ‘green soup’ due to increased levels of algal bloom. Now, polluted runoff water has once again reached the shores of the lagoon, in some places turning it into a veritable ‘brown soup’.

The water is visibly brown in some places, especially off several beaches in Los Alcázares, but it’s not just the colour that is the problem. Scientists studying the lagoon warn that oxygen levels are well below what they were a year ago, and predict that it’s about to get much worse. Temperatures are expected to rise in Murcia from next Tuesday, which means “the process of eutrophication will accelerate and the ‘green soup’ could be unleashed quickly.”

History repeats itself, first as tragedy, then as farce.

Russia, Ukraine and the supply chain in Spain

It’s more than a month now since Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24 and the whole world is feeling the knock-on effects. Spain has joined many other European countries in welcoming refugees from the war-torn country, but the financial impacts are looming large in everyone’s minds. Electricity and fuel prices continue to creep up, and the national transport sector strike that began last week seems to have reached a stalemate.

In fact, the government this week offered drivers a 500-million-euro diesel discount deal in order to bring the industrial action to an end, but this was branded “a joke” by truckers, who demanded double that – 1 billion euros – while continuing to clog up the country’s roads with their go-slow protest and block important ports from collecting and delivering supplies. Which begs the question: if petrol is so expensive, why are they staging a driving protest? Wouldn’t it be better to walk?

Whatever the case, they are not making deliveries, and this has thrown many industries in Spain into turmoil as everything from petrol to alcohol is flying off the shelves with little hope of new stock arriving. And who can forget the sunflower oil debacle, where supermarkets were rationing purchases? Well, stores in Spain have upped their game and several photos have gone viral of bottles of sunflower oil with alarms attached of the kind that are normally found on expensive liquors and perfumes, in order to try to prevent people from stealing them as they become ever more in demand.

This may sound extreme, but lots of big players in Spain like Lidl, Danone, Amazon and even Zara have been forced to slow down or halt production altogether as a result of supply shortages. Images of shelves stripped bare are emerging all over social networks, but according to the Valencia Association of Consumers, there are no serious shortage supplies on the Costa Blanca. The association visited stores across the region’s three provinces to gauge the ‘real picture’, and whilst it found there were shortages of certain items, there were plenty of “alternatives available”. As such, the consumers’ association has made a “call for calm”, and is urging shoppers to “buy responsibly”.

For sectors that are managing to get some deliveries through the door, another problem has arisen from a rather unlikely source. Russian salad (ensaladilla rusa) has always been a staple of Spanish cuisine, but many hospitality business owners have become uncomfortable with their menu item being associated with Vladimir Putin. As a result, many restaurants have rechristened the dish ‘Ukrainian salad’ or ‘ensaladilla Kyiv’.

Boycotting the names of dishes is nothing new; during the Iraq war, the USA changed ‘French fries’ to ‘Freedom fries’ after the French government opposed the intervention in 2003.

All hope is not lost, however, as ahead of a European Council meeting on the energy crisis, the EC has confirmed that it is open to new cost-saving measures, including the “limitation of the price of gas and electricity”, a demand that Spain has been making for months now.

Coronavirus

Even with all the doom and gloom, there is plenty of reason to be thankful in Spain this week, not least because the experts have finally agreed that the country has indeed emerged from the “acute phase” of the pandemic and the Covid transition plan will begin on Monday March 28. This means that people with mild coronavirus symptoms will no longer have to self-isolate and from now on, health centres will focus on vulnerable parties and the seriously ill rather than closely monitoring the general population.

This major move is made possible by the fact that Spain’s Covid data continues to improve, although admittedly, the evolution of the pandemic has slowed down somewhat. Mid-week, the cumulative incidence rate had dropped to just 436 cases per 100,000 inhabitants and by now, 92.3% of people over the age of 12 have been double jabbed.

With this positive data, Spain has followed the lead of the WHO and decided not to offer a fourth booster dose to everyone. The evidence to date doesn’t actually prove that an extra jab provides any additional protection, but the option for a booster may be revisited in the autumn depending on the infection numbers.

Nonetheless, some experts are warning that in Murcia a worrying rebound in the incidence rate amongst the older population, which has increased drastically in the past week, could mean that the Region is on the verge of a seventh wave. The health services consider Murcia’s current incidence rate “high,” but in the older population, this indicator has now risen up a step to the “very high” level.

If restrictions are relaxed too fast and too soon, another increase in infections is sure to be in sight, with the most vulnerable age groups first in the firing line. While it’s true that commentators insist that a seventh wave would be much less severe than previous waves thanks to widespread vaccinations and an increased natural immunity against the virus, the regional authorities’ rush to scale back Covid restrictions shows their lack of regard for older people living in the area, who will be disproportionately affected by any relapse in the health situation.

For all the latest coronavirus news and updates in Spain, use the following link: CORONAVIRUS LATEST NEWS

Murcia

Occasionally, it rains in the Region of Murcia (and when it does it absolutely buckets it down), and the community does have its serious problems with water drainage and flooding. But you can’t deny there are some really spectacular landscapes that can only be found in this beautiful corner of Spain.

Most visitors to the area only know Murcia as a beach holiday destination, but the truth is that there is an amazing variety of landscapes and incredible views to be found in the Region, if you dig a little further. From freezing waterfalls to verdant canyons and rocky outcrops, take a look at our list of the ten best hidden scenic views in Murcia to start exploring the area a bit more!

With this wealth of natural beauty, it’s no surprise that the Costa Cálida has been named the happiest area of Spain. Despite the impression given by the current rains, the Region of Murcia actually gets an average of 300 days of glorious sunshine a year, which has helped the area to score 87 points out of 100 in a new study by the Spain Happy Index, more than any other place and making it officially the jolliest costa of them all.

Amongst the other criteria used by the Happy Index in their research are the number of Blue Flag beaches, international schools, hospitals, distance to airports, and the all-important weather statistics. In fact, they even pinpointed the three best towns to live in if you want to be happy – leading the way is San Javier, with 90.78 points, followed by Los Alcázares (90.3) and San Pedro del Pinatar (89.58).

It’s not all plain sailing, though. There are many weird and wacky rules in Murcia that even the most intrepid travellers, and indeed locals, might not be aware of. Believe it or not, there are actually laws in Murcia against everything from carving your initials into the bark of a tree to letting your dog cool off in a water fountain, which can earn you a fine of up to 750 euros.

It’s also illegal to water plants on a balcony outside the hours of 11pm to 7am, but most people get away with that one. But don’t even think of turning on your washing machine at those times – even though these may be off-peak electricity hours, the noise limit at night is 30 decibels and a washing machine makes between 46 and 57 decibels of sound. The fine for this infraction can reach an eye-popping 3,000 euros if the limit is exceeded by 13 or more decibels.

In Murcia city this week, the Guardia Civil police announced they would be holding an auction next Tuesday to sell off some of their old stock… of shotguns! This is by no means the first time the Spanish police have auctioned off weapons; in fact, it’s an annual occurrence to free up storage space and raise some funds along the way.

This year, there are a total of 328 pistols and shotguns going under the hammer, with an initial starting price ranging from 10 to 1,000 euros. These can be bought by anyone with a Spanish firearm licence, but weapons that do not find a new owner are doomed to destruction. As the head of the Intervention of Weapons, Brigadier Rafael Torrano, explained, “They will go to a foundry, they will be put in a pot with more iron, and melted down to make roof beams.”

Meanwhile, in San Javier, the Town Hall has brought its mosquito prevention campaign forward by two months, and has adopted an early warning system. Mosquito prevention campaigns are typically introduced by local authorities in Murcia between May and October when the disease-carrying tiger species is most active, but the Mar Menor town has decided to bring forward its mosquito program because “early detection of the tiger mosquito means appropriate measures can be put in place far earlier”.

Tiger mosquitoes tiger can spread dangerous diseases like dengue, chikungunya and Zika virus. That’s why the Town Hall is installing a series of traps at strategic points which traditionally prove attractive to this species, but which are harmless to humans. At the same time, they are reminding ordinary citizens that they can do their part to help keep mosquito populations at a minimum by “avoiding the accumulation of water in flowerpots and other containers and keeping swimming pools and ponds clean and covered where possible”.

For news on events coming up soon in the Murcia and Alicante regions, be sure to check out our EVENTS DIARY!

Spain

If the fickle forecast doesn’t put you off packing your suitcase and heading to Spain, make sure to leave plenty of time for your trip as travel experts have warned that major delays and disruptions will be experienced on flights to Spain from next month. This is because France is installing a new air traffic control system and an unprecedented number of flights from the UK will be diverted over German airspace, resulting in major mid-air traffic jams.

The German air navigation service (DFS) confirmed that, as France’s new system is being installed, travellers can expect delays, changes to flights times and even diversions in some cases, and the disruption is unfortunately set to last for months.

Transport workers aren’t the only ones unhappy with their working conditions. Last week, employees of the Spanish Foreign Affairs Office in the United Kingdom went on strike over wage freezes, and currently, the three Spanish consulates in the UK – in London, Manchester and Edinburgh – as well as the Embassy in London, are operating on a “reduced staff basis”. Consequently, they have warned that it may mean that “British citizens might be affected when applying for a visa to travel to Spain”.

On Monday, the new Traffic Law finally came into force in Spain with a raft of new ways for drivers to get points taken off their licence. By now, most motorists will be aware of the biggies, such as not being allowed to hold your mobile in your hand while driving and harsher penalties for not wearing seatbelts, but Spain wouldn’t be Spain if it didn’t offer a few curveballs.

One unusual rule has been hitting the headlines this week as a result of the Saharan dust that has been blanketing streets and patios, creating unpleasant red muddy rivulets when it rains. Because of this, the DGT has warned that drivers travelling around in filthy cars could be slapped with a 200-euro fine. Now of course this isn’t a vanity move; the Traffic Authorities have highlighted the danger that dirt and mud on windshields and windows pose to visibility and have advised drivers that these must be clean at all times.

Alicante

Despite the dreary weather, things have been looking brighter for Norwegian Air recently. Back in 2019, the airline was on the brink of bankruptcy and faced a tough three years, exacerbated by the pandemic. However, the firm is now reaching for sunnier skies and plans to kickstart its regrowth with two new bases in Spain, one of which will be Alicante-Elche Airport.

Ryanair and Spanish airline, Vueling, already have bases in Alicante, boosting income for the airport, local hotels and tourist accommodation, as well as generating jobs in maintenance and ground staff. And it goes without saying, the more aircraft based locally, the more routes for passengers.

Alicante was the scene of two major busts for both the Guardia Civil and National Police with the arrests of two criminals on the run, including Poland’s most wanted drug trafficker.

The two police forces teamed up to shut down a drug trafficking organisation that moved narcotics stashed in vehicles travelling from Spain to Scandinavian and Eastern European countries. A total of 13 people were cuffed during raids at properties in Alicante and Malaga, including Poland’s most wanted man who had been hiding out at a luxury villa in the exclusve Altea Hills urbanisation. In a separate bust, a 52-year-old Dutch drug trafficker has also been captured and extradited.

Meanwhile, Benidorm’s main tourist area, colloquially known as the English zone due to its huge popularity with British holidaymakers drawn to the numerous bars and clubs, has reportedly experienced an increase in crime following the opening of borders after months of restrictions and the return of international visitors. In an effort to clampdown on the sale and use of drugs in particular, police have stepped up preventative measures with static vehicle checks in and around the leisure area, and have increased their presence in general.

As part of this anti-drug drive, five people have been arrested for drug trafficking in separate incidents this week after police seized 580 grams of hashish and more than 5,500 euros in cash. In one of the incidents, the four occupants of one car were so intent on not getting caught carrying hashish and a large amount of cash they led police on a chase towards Benidorm's AP-7 motorway exit before finally being intercepted, searched and subsequently arrested.

Staying in Benidorm, the Town Hall has come under fire from animal rights groups after a street cat volunteer was forced to pay for a police report after a 100-strong colony of feral felines was deliberately poisoned. Sadly, 20 of the cats died, and Spain’s Animal Rights Party Against the Mistreatment of Animals (PACMA) reported the appalling incident.

The police made a report, but apparently no investigation has since been carried out, so a volunteer who manages the colony contacted the council to get a copy of the report to file a complaint, and was told she must pay for it. To add salt to the wound, the volunteer was also fined 240 euros for feeding cats in the street – despite an official arrangement.

According to PACMA, “this is inexplicable, as Benidorm has a TNR (trap, neuter and return) programme approved by the Town Hall, with funding from Alicante Provincial Council for this purpose. Cat colonies exist in Benidorm and must be managed to avoid displacement and dangers to the animals or traffic.”

Traffic, or more specifically Spain’s new Traffic Act, has been a talking point in Alicante province where it has been revealed 58.5% of fines issued are for speeding. To be forewarned is forearmed, and a recent traffic report has given an insight into the most common offences committed by motorists in Alicante, which after speeding, include not having a valid ITV (Spanish equivalent to an MOT), lack of insurance, drink driving and using mobile phones whilst behind the wheel.

Andalucía

It’s easy to see the truckers’ strike and the invasion of Ukraine as two separate issues, but they overlapped in the most shocking of ways in Seville this week when a Ukrainian lorry driver – who was NOT striking – had to be rushed to hospital after being hit by a stone that was launched by one of the protesters.

The projectile smashed through the windscreen of the Polish-licensed truck he was driving on the A-4 motorway and hit him in the face. He lost control of the vehicle and swerved off the road, colliding with the guardrail. Not content with the horror he must feel at seeing his home country bombed on television every day, the protesters added injury to insult for the transport worker and his passenger, who were treated for minor injuries at a local Seville hospital. Both men gave statements at the local Écija Police Station, but so far no arrests have been made.

On a related note, a luxury yacht belonging to a Russian billionaire and one of Putin’s top oligarchs was impounded in Gibraltar this week. The 72-metre-long ‘Axioma’ belongs to Dmitry Pumpyansky, chairman and owner of TMK, which is one of the largest steel manufacturing companies in Russia and which makes pipes for the oil and gas industry.

Gibraltar authorities detained the yacht on Monday as it docked in British Gibraltar Territorial Waters because Pumpyansky is currently on a list of people sanctioned by the European Union and Great Britain.

Elsewhere along the southern coast of mainland Spain, minds are turned away from both the truck drivers’ strike and the tragedy in Ukraine, and towards summer holidays. Even as the rain and Saharan dust pelt down (or perhaps because of that?) many are planning their summer getaways. That’s why we’ve drawn up a list of the best beaches in Malaga to keep the whole family entertained.

Malaga is one of the Costa del Sol’s most popular destinations, offering everything from pristine sand banks and crystal waters, and at the top of the list of the best family-friendly beaches in the province is the popular Playa de la Malagueta, with its 1,200 metres of sandy shore, plentiful lifeguards, handy showers and a children’s play area, not to mention gentle waves to suit all ages.

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That’s all from us for this week. Don’t forget to put your clocks forward an hour this weekend! On Sunday March 27, 2022 at 2am, Daylight Savings Time will begin and clocks will go forward by one hour to 3am. If you’re liking this weekly bulletin and know someone else who might want to read it too, you can send them this link to sign up and start receiving the email too: https://murciatoday.com/weekly_bulletin.html

See you next week!

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